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With Adams at first base, Holliday starts at DH

With Adams at first base, Holliday starts at DH

6/20/13: Matt Holliday singles on a ground ball to short, bringing home Matt Carpenter to give the Cardinals a 2-1 lead in the third

By Chris Abshire
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MLB.com |

HOUSTON -- With season-long Interleague Play in place for the first time this season, National League teams usually have stabilized their designated hitter position by late June.

The Cardinals are an exception, having played only two games against American League competition. That changes quickly, as Tuesday's game in Houston began a stretch of eight straight games in AL ballparks for St. Louis.

Matt Adams got the start at first base and hit sixth Tuesday, with Matt Holiday in the No. 5 hole as the designated hitter.

"We're just trying to get him going more than anything," said St. Louis manager Mike Matheny of Holliday's role. "I'm making some changes, seeing if we can jump-start him. I've got a responsibility to put guys in a good position, whether that's Matt playing the field or where he hits in the lineup. He's all about this team, no matter what his spot is."

Matheny wouldn't commit to an everyday DH, but Adams may see the most benefit from the extra spot in the lineup.

Adams made his 17th start at first base, and Matheny said he could see action again in Wednesday's game.

"That opportunity was there today, and tomorrow's a lefty [Erik Bedard], so we'll see," Matheny said. "We're just as excited as he is to see him in that lineup."

Chris Abshire is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.